Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is proud of its graduates and their diverse, inspiring journeys. The IPS Alumni Spotlight celebrates former students by showcasing their experiences, accomplishments, and personal interests. Each graduate has a unique path from which others can learn.

IPS recently interviewed Mary ‘Jean’ Wheeler Bullock, a 1974 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, about her journey that began in the state’s largest school district. After graduation, she attended Indiana University, joined ROTC, and worked in social work before retiring from Eskenazi Hospital.

Jean currently works part-time counseling women at the Indiana Women’s Prison who keep their babies with them. Before retiring, she taught various classes at the prison, including an eleven-week domestic violence class, a six-week prenatal class, and a six-week postpartum depression class. After her retirement, a program called Mothers on the Rise was developed for the women. The program director asked Jean to continue counseling women coming out of prison with their babies for ten hours a week. Although retired, Jean enjoys counseling and helping these women reduce their chances of returning to prison.

Q: How did your experiences at Indianapolis Public Schools shape your educational foundation and career aspirations?

A: "IPS inspired me to attend Indiana University. I was the first person in my family to attend college. The IPS staff showed me how to apply and all the necessary steps to get into college."

Q: Can you share memorable moments or teachers who had a significant impact on your time at IPS?

A: "When I was on the yearbook staff at Tech high school one of my teachers told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be!!"

Q: How has your education at IPS influenced your personal and professional development since graduating?

A: "My IPS education inspired me to always strive to be number one in whatever I do in life!"

Q: What specific skills or knowledge gained at IPS have proven most valuable in your current life or career?

A: "My enrollment in ROTC taught me to be a strong woman and to know that the sky’s the limit!"

Q: In what ways have you stayed connected with the IPS community, and what advice would you offer current IPS students for a successful future?

A: "I have always been instrumental in planning all of our reunions. I am now working with members of the alumni association."

Q: What challenges did you face during your time at IPS, and how did overcoming them contribute to your personal growth?

A: "I had to walk to school every day. It took me 45 minutes to walk to high school and 45 minutes to walk back. There were no buses to take my sisters and me back and forth to school. It was extremely hard during the winter months with ice and snow.. However, it made me appreciate the small things in life and be forever grateful when I bought myself a car."

Q: Have you been involved in any initiatives or projects aimed at improving education or opportunities for current IPS students? If so, could you share your experiences and insights from those efforts?

A: "As a social worker, I have worked with several programs to help students through resume development and job placement. At one point in my career, I had my own company, Indiana Fair Chance LLC. We helped young people find jobs and helped them get into trade school or college. We wanted to give them a fair chance at a good quality of life."